The likes of Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman and Angelina Jolie may monopolise the media spotlight, but judged in terms of bank balance alone, they pale into insignificance when compared with Harrison Ford. The reclusive 66-year-old has been named Hollywood's highest earning star by Forbes magazine, having amassed a staggering $64.95m (£39.72m) in the last 12 months.

Moreover, Ford's position at the top of the chart is almost entirely down to just one movie. His starring role in Steven Spielberg's Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull netted him a crucial share of the profits. Released in May 2008, the action blockbuster went on to earn more than $750m at the global box office.

The actor rose to fame courtesy of his role as the swashbuckling Han Solo in George Lucas's original Star Wars pictures, and went on to star in such Hollywood hits as Witness, Working Girl, The Fugitive and Air Force One. But his output over the last decade has been limited. Since 2000, Ford has appeared in such underperforming outings as K19: The Widowmaker, Hollywood Homicide and Firewall, while turning down lead roles in Traffic, The Patriot and Syriana.

Yet the Ford factor clearly still resonates with audiences, as witnessed by his recent return to the fray. Lured out of semi-retirement, Ford played an aged but still potent Indiana Jones in the fourth installment of Spielberg's adventure franchise. Outside of this comfort zone, the actor's impact is more muted. His most recent film, the immigrant drama Crossing Over, has earned just $500,000 since its release in the US earlier this year.

Coming in second on the Forbes list was Adam Sandler, who earned $54.9m courtesy of roles in both Bedtime Stories and You Don't Mess With the Zohan. Will Smith placed third with $45m, while Eddie Murphy and Nicolas Cage were level pegging in fourth position with $39m apiece.